Aquaculture sector continues to strengthen

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister John Efford said today that 1999 was a successful year for the province�s aquaculture sector with an export value of $18 million, up from $13 million in 1998. Mr. Efford also pointed out that the export value will reach approximately $23 million in 2002.

Last year, overall aquaculture production increased 59 per cent over 1998, from 2,694 tonnes to 4,282 tonnes. Blue mussel production was 1,700 tonnes and salmonid production was approximately 2,500 tonnes. In 2000 blue mussel production is expected to increase to 2,500 tonnes, while production in the salmonid industry is anticipated to remain at its current level this year.

"The mussel industry has been a leader in the development of our aquaculture sector and we are confident that mussel farming will continue to make major gains. We are also optimistic about the growth of our salmonid industry which is now in a more competitive position due to the introduction of new improved strains of fish into Bay d�Espoir," said Mr. Efford.

He added that there are four secondary mussel processors operating in the province, producing a wide range of frozen vacuum-packed products for local and international markets.

"In order to be competitive in the marketplace we must focus more on value-added products and we have indeed made major gains in this area. In fact, 1999 was the first full year of operation for the four producers who utilized over 30 per cent of the provincial mussel production."

Mr. Efford said the ongoing development of the province�s aquaculture industry is a priority for his department, adding that this sector of our fishing industry offers the potential for long term economic opportunities in our province�s coastal areas.

"Our aquaculture industry today employs approximately 500 people and I�m confident that economic opportunities generated through the growing, harvesting and processing of aquaculture products will continue to be an important part of coastal Newfoundland and Labrador."

Mr. Efford added that government�s commitment to our aquaculture industry is also demonstrated by its participation in the development of a provincial aquaculture strategy which is nearing completion. This industry-led strategy will focus on the commercialization phase of aquaculture development and efforts directed towards key species that can be commercially viable.

"I have every confidence that the recommendations in this aquaculture strategy for our province will provide a solid framework to build on our achievements to date."

There are 109 commercial aquaculture sites operating in the province, as well as 100 developmental sites. Of the commercial sites, 61 are shellfish and 48 are finfish sites. Approximately 4,000 hectares of water in the province is dedicated to aquaculture production.

Media contact: Sonia Glover-Sullivan, Communications, (709) 729-3733.

2000 04 20                                                                     12:00 p.m.